ELM Guide School

First Class Of 2009

2009-06-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

We went over to Bear Paw here in MT. and visited with these students last week. After a terrific lunch a nice trail ride was taken. Getting down the important skills they will need- saddling up the horses, packing the mules, pulling the string all of these tasks being done properly and in a safe manner. Our students from all of our schools receive their training from the absolute best in the business. In just a few more days they will be ready to go to work for an outfitter here in the magnificent Rockies.

What a great bunch of guys they all are.

Small classes make for better quality of education!!

Enroll Today!

2009-06-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

All of our hands on training school classes are filling rapidly: There are only a few spots remaining for this year. Don't miss out on your opportunity to get trained by the best in the field!

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you soon

Don't Sell Yourself Short When Choosing A Guide School

2009-06-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

Many big game guide training schools nowadays take shortcuts, often leaving students very unprepared with no home study in which to gain some very important fundamentals, and knowledge of this business. You do not want or need to be going into your hands on training class blindsided. In other words not knowing what to expect.

It makes sense! You can bet that a professional mechanic has done their home work and preparation. Before overhauling and dismantling an engine you would assume that he or she has the knowledge and schematics to properly and successfully complete their work.
Likewise by preparing and doing your lessons first, you ready yourself ahead of time for the Hands on Training class and your test.

Unfortunately many guide school students spend too much time sitting in a classroom at the school itself and not enough time on actual hands on training. This is not the way to produce top hands. No, of course graduating from a guide school program in itself does not make you a top hand. That comes from years of experience in the field which all of our instructors have. You do deserve and need to be thoroughly trained in order to go to work as a guide, packer or wilderness camp cook for a big game hunting outfitter. That is a fact! That is what outfitters are looking for!

With the ELM Program you can be assured that we never take any shortcuts. We want all our students to obtain as much understanding as possible by doing the home study and go into the hands-on training class with much more confidence which will lead to future success in the outfitting industry. Thorough training is what you will receive through our entire program. Nothing less!

Student Testimonials

We always stress: safety, professionalism, good work ethics, working as a team, communication and overall personal attitude. Our goal is not only to teach, but give you the opportunity to learn in the type of environment you will be working in and to have an enjoyable time during your training.

I have always had the heart for this business and hope that I and the hands on class instructors will pass that feeling on to each and everyone of our guide school students. I encourage you to do something you will enjoy. You will never be doing the same thing everyday. Always something new and challenging. There truly is Nothing Else Like It!

Guiding, packing, being in the wilderness having that great feeling of pride when you have led your client to that trophy big bull, big horn sheep, mountain goat or game of choice.

You can achieve your dream job just as myself and our graduates have been doing for many years. Many of whom have started their own outfitting business.

-It's great getting up in the mornings to a job you love-

Michael Knott -Program Adm.

Our hands on Training Schools for "09" are filling rapidly, enroll now to reserve your spot!

We are accepting applications for 2010. contact us

This Could Be You!!

2009-05-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

Imagine yourself packing out a wonderful trophy 6 point bull elk for your client. Through our guide school training program this could be you. Living the life many only dream about.

Why wait! Contact us today

The Short &Tall Of It

2009-04-28T16:23:00.000-07:00

Our guide school students learn - Where there's a will there's a way - Learn to think on your feet or in this case improvise. Team work is what it's all about!

Hands On Training Class

2009-04-11T14:16:00.000-07:00

Learning to shoe a horse or mule is just one of the many intricate parts of
the training our students acquire.

All of the stock at our schools are well seasoned!

Students From Around The World

2009-04-07T12:46:00.000-07:00

As you can see from our web site we have had many students from all over the world. This year is no exception. Two young men from Denmark will be joining our training program. Having had different types of hunting experiences then our students from the US can bring up some very interesting conversations. They are both working on our Home Prep Course and doing quite well. We are looking forward to meeting with them and each of our studnets.

We are glad to say that one of our students which has been serving our country in Iraq is back in the states and will be attending hands on school this year.

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT (W.I.A.)

2009-02-27T17:00:00.000-08:00

The Workforce Investment Act is a nationally funded program available to individual states through the US Department of Labor & Industry Workforce Services Division. The funds are given to states based on a number of factors and those W.I.A. funds are used for the unemployed, under employed, or dislocated worker in each state. It is not a "welfare" program but is designed to put the worker in the workforce, have them get the training that will give them a sustainable wage, or to get the dislocated worker back into the workforce as quickly as possible.

W.I.A. dollars in Montana are distributed to individual Job Service Workforce Centers throughout the state based on their economic conditions. Montana residents should contact your local Job Service Workforce Center. For all out of state residents please check with your states office of WIA administration. They will inform you of the eligibility requirements.

Our guide training program is very glad to be able to assist you the prospective student with this avenue in obtaining financial assistance.

Enroll with the ELM program. You may qualify for these benefits!

For more information contact us .

Graduates Sept. "08"

2009-02-19T08:30:00.000-08:00

They all came to learn the skills they will need to move on in pursuit of their dreams. Working here in the Rocky Mountains is a dream of many people. Through our detailed curriculum these guide school students are realizing their full potential and able to capture their goals. Waking up each morning just loving what they are doing. Livin the life!

Are you looking for a change in careers? Contact us

Elm Student

2009-01-21T06:21:00.000-08:00

We are always glad to hear from a former student!
Marc from Belgium sent this card to us over the Christmas Holidays. He went through our training program in "07". The card reads-Pretige Kerstdagen en een Gelukkig nieuwjarr Which is Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in Dutch. Thanks Marc

What A Great Sight To See

2009-01-04T13:48:00.000-08:00

The new year is here and we are finally getting some good snow up high in the Bitterroot Mountains. There is now over a 60 inch snow base with a lot of winter left. The elk have come down to their winter range in the foothills and are faring well as you can see in this photo.

Challenge: How many elk do you see?

We are looking forward to a great Spring and Summer with all the students in our training program. Each of our hands on training schools are already preparing for this years classes and there are still a few openings available.

Contact us with any questions

Trained To Become A Successful Big Game Hunting Guide

2008-12-20T10:06:00.000-08:00

An Elm Guide School graduate hired as a wilderness elk guide with a top Wyoming outfitter. He bugled in his first bull elk for a thrilled client giving him a gratifying experience. We are always proud to see graduates from our training school doing so well. A new adventure! A new lifestyle!

A Bell Mare At Guide School Training Camp

2008-12-05T16:31:00.000-08:00

Belled and hobbled, her field work is just about completed. This pretty gal won't be needed till early morning.

Such is life in the backcountry of the Rockies. Students on the other hand have a full evening's work yet to do. There's wood to chop and split for those wood stoves, getting set up for supper, making sure horses are fed and watered. The stock is of vital importance to an outfit here in the West.

Everything you will do at guide school will definitely keep you busy. This is how our schools prepare students for the real world of outfitting. Students who go through our training know that by getting the quality training they receive with us job opportunities can be plenty.

As the saying goes, you get out of it what you put into it!

All In A Day Of A Student's Training

2008-11-19T13:16:00.000-08:00

This guide school student is learning one of the skills needed in becoming a successful big game hunting guide. Safely packing hunting gear across obstacles such as this creek is of vital importance.

Easy does it!

Guide School Graduates 2008

2008-11-17T12:11:00.000-08:00

Here are more successful graduates from one of Elm's top schools in Wyoming.
They were trained with excellence and are now off to great jobs with outfits in the Rockies.

These students are now living their dreams in this exciting industry.
Michael and I wish them all the best and as always will stay in touch with them all.

Guide School Students Packing Out Of The Hills

2008-09-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

These students had a days ride into the hills pulling the string you see here. We are fortunate to have terrific areas at all of our hands on training schools for students to gain first hand what their true working environment will be.

This is a test of skills learned and they all passed with flying colors.

Glassing For Game

2008-08-22T16:36:00.000-07:00

At an ELM endorsed guide school this could be your classroom. Students travel across all types of terrain during training and on this particular day the view as you can see is absolutely magnificent.

Camp was set up just a short distance from this site. What a great experience and what a great place to start glassing for big game. Break time for the students in our training means some great fly- fishing opportunities.

Cutthroat & Brookies make for a very tasty meal.

Elm Guide/Packer Students In Montana

2008-08-08T15:13:00.000-07:00

I watch as a few of the students prepare for their pack trip up in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. It is important that all equipment is properly adjusted on each animal to ensure safety. Students work together in small groups such as this one to receive more one on one instruction.

Guide School Students In Wyoming

2008-08-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

ELM guide school students are always working on their horse and mule packing, mantaing, horse shoeing and of course some good meals in-between all the hard work.

Guide School Students In Montana

2008-08-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

Guide School Training Classes of 2008

2008-07-29T17:43:00.001-07:00

Another great bunch of guys and gals in this summer's classes.

Each of our guide school students are well on their way to the careers they had only dreamed of a short time ago—getting all the basic outfitting skills under their belts with the guidance of seasoned instructors ELM holds in such high esteem.

Michael and I looked on as the students worked on their packing skills, setting up the camps, loading the stock into trailers, pulling the strings of horses and mules, and much more. The camp cook students prepared meals that would make any outfitter sit up and take notice. All of the pack trips into the hills went great; lots of hard work and great fun at the same time.

Our September class here in Montana will be starting very soon and as always we will visit with them "in nature's classroom."

More 2008 guide school class pictures will be posted soon!

Camp Cook School

2008-07-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

Verna is a cook school student over at Middle Fork Guide Packer School.
Here you see Karla her instructor giving her some very important tips in preparing a hearty dinner.

Camp cooks are always in very high demand. contact us

That All Important Relationship

2008-07-02T05:50:00.000-07:00

Cameron, one of our guide school students in the May class is working on his skills with this big fella. A mule can be your best friend.

Essential Equipment

2008-07-02T05:30:00.000-07:00

It's always vital to keep all equipment clean and orderly. All of our Big Game Guide School Students are taught this from the get-go. Here you see some of the saddles they use.

Always Great Scenery

2008-05-15T13:26:00.000-07:00

Our Guide School Students get to see some really beautiful sights while on their pack trips. Just imagine camping out here and sleeping! Have a spotting scope, camera and a good horse and you are ready for these hills during your training. Classes will be starting soon.

Contact us